been as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been as" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to compare or relate two things, but it lacks the necessary context or structure to be usable. Example: "I have never been as happy as I am now."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other transitions have not been as smooth.

The New York Times

Investors may not have been as optimistic.

The New York Times - Tech

"It has never been as bad".

The New York Times

Not every park has been as lucky.

The New York Times

Has business been as receptive as government?

Yale University

Nor would it have been as good.

The Guardian - Opinion

— Trump's rarely been as busy as Obama.

The Washington Post

"Scott's been as active as anybody.

The New York Times - Sports

Others, though, haven't been as lucky".

The Guardian - Sport

Others have been as intransigent as ever.

The Guardian

Not everyone's experience has been as happy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been as", ensure clarity by providing a clear point of comparison. Often, rewriting the sentence to use a more explicit comparative structure improves readability.

Common error

Avoid using "been as" in contexts where the comparison is vague or undefined. Always specify what is being compared to ensure your writing is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been as" primarily functions as part of a comparative construction. It's often used to indicate a degree or extent, usually followed by an adjective or adverb, in comparison to something else. As Ludwig shows, the phrase typically appears within a larger clause to make sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been as" is frequently used but often lacks precision, as Ludwig highlights. Its primary function is to create a comparison, but its effectiveness hinges on clear context. While prevalent in news and media, its grammatical ambiguity makes it less ideal for formal writing. For clearer communication, consider alternatives like "been so" or rephrasing for greater explicitness. Using clear comparative structures will help to prevent misinterpretation and increase the effectiveness of your writing, aligning with Ludwig's concern about clarity. While "been as" isn't strictly wrong, its potential for vagueness means careful usage is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been so

Emphasizes a degree or extent similar to "been as", but typically used with adjectives or adverbs.

been this

Indicates a level or state, analogous to "been as", but points to something specific.

been such

Highlights a characteristic or quality, much like "been as", but often followed by a noun.

was as

Uses the past tense of 'be' to make a comparison, similar to "been as", but refers to a past state.

has been

Emphasizes the duration or continuity of a state, while "been as" is more comparative.

have been

Indicates a completed action or state, distinct from the comparative nature of "been as".

is as

Compares something in the present, whereas "been as" often refers to something in the past.

seemed as

Expresses an appearance or impression, unlike the direct comparison made by "been as".

felt as

Conveys a sensation or emotion, rather than a comparison like "been as".

became as

Indicates a process of becoming similar, differing from the static comparison of "been as".

FAQs

How can I use "been as" correctly in a sentence?

While "been as" isn't inherently incorrect, it often requires a comparative structure to make sense. For example, "It hasn't "been as easy" lately". Be sure to clearly specify what you are comparing.

What are some alternatives to "been as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "been so", "been this", or "was as" to express a similar meaning with greater clarity.

Is "been as" considered formal or informal language?

"Been as" tends to appear in more neutral contexts, frequently in news and media, but its grammatical ambiguity makes it less suitable for highly formal writing. Consider stronger comparative forms for professional communication.

Why does Ludwig AI flag "been as"?

Ludwig AI might flag "been as" because, as Ludwig AI points out, it is often used imprecisely. It may lack the clarity needed for effective communication. Rewording to use a more direct comparison is often recommended.